US20180297104A1 - Method, tool and assembly for tightly closing a receptacle, and tightly closed receptacle - Google Patents
Method, tool and assembly for tightly closing a receptacle, and tightly closed receptacle Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180297104A1 US20180297104A1 US15/745,155 US201615745155A US2018297104A1 US 20180297104 A1 US20180297104 A1 US 20180297104A1 US 201615745155 A US201615745155 A US 201615745155A US 2018297104 A1 US2018297104 A1 US 2018297104A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- receptacle
- closure
- tool
- roll
- rim
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
- B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
- B21D51/26—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tins; Closing same in a permanent manner
- B21D51/2653—Methods or machines for closing cans by applying caps or bottoms
- B21D51/2661—Sealing or closing means therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
- B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
- B21D51/26—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tins; Closing same in a permanent manner
- B21D51/2653—Methods or machines for closing cans by applying caps or bottoms
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/285—Securing closures on containers by deformation of the closure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2871—Securing closures on containers by gluing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2878—Securing closures on containers by heat-sealing
Definitions
- the invention relates to the technical field of packaging technology, in particular the field of receptacle closing, also for products to be filled that entail high demands on tightness and are sensitive to contamination.
- a can consisting of a metal sheet, which is closed with a membrane on one end side thereof, is known from WO 1996/31 406. Raised edge regions of the membrane are here adhesively bonded or hot-sealed to the inner side of the can wall.
- Such closed cans are produced by inserting a membrane into an opening of the can and by inserting a stamp. By spreading the inserted stamp, a force acts radially on the raised edge region of the membrane, the membrane being thus connected to the inner side of the can through an additional exposure to heat. In FIGS. 5 a and 5 b of the published application, this spreading operation is shown.
- the stamp consists of circumferentially arranged elements, which are pressed radially outwards against an expansion or snap ring, whereby the diameter of the latter increases.
- the expansion or snap ring has an axial gap, so as to allow this increase in radius.
- the membrane area to be connected is not acted upon by a force at the location of the gap. This may lead to leakage of the closure, in particular when the gap of the expansion or snap ring spaces the position of the vertical seam, which is typically formed on cans of this type as a result of the production process.
- Cans that are closed according to this method are especially not suitable for highly sensitive products to be filled, such as (high-quality) coffee.
- WO 1998/03 278 shows a press device consisting of a plurality of pressing parts (cf. there FIG. 3 ).
- the press device is intended to be used for the closing of cans similar to those disclosed in WO 1996/31 406.
- the pressing parts are radially extended until they enter into contact with the membrane that rests on the inner side of the can, axial gaps are formed. At these gaps, no force is transmitted to the membrane.
- a formation of channels which inevitably occurs in WO 1996/31 406, is intended to be avoided.
- an axial channel which has a negative effect on the tightness of the can, may form between the membrane and the inner side of the can, although the gaps of the press device are staggered.
- only a subarea of the circumferential area of the raised edge region of the membrane is fixedly connected to the inner side of the can (only at the locations at which a force is actually radially transmitted from the press device to the membrane).
- the use of the press device necessitates, for the same tightness, a larger area in comparison with a device that connects the entire area of the raised part of the membrane to the can, and this leads to the necessity of using an increased amount of material and to an increase in the costs of the membrane.
- a tool according to the present invention is suitable for closing an opening of a receptacle, e.g. a can, with a membrane.
- the tool comprises a tool plate having attached thereto at least one roll.
- the at least one roll can be deflected radially outwards, so as to apply a force to the rim of the closure and connect the rim, possibly under the influence of heat, sealingly with the inner side of the receptacle.
- the whole circumference of the rim can be connected to the inner side of the receptacle when the roll has been deflected outwards (claim 1 ). Due to a radial returnability of the tool, the latter can easily be removed from the receptacle, without damaging the sealingly attached closure, and a next receptacle to be closed can be provided within a short time.
- a plurality of rolls attached to the circumference of the tool plate accelerate the closing of a receptacle and improve the closure result.
- a tool with deflected or extended rolls which apply a force to a closure rim
- Two rolls, three rolls, four rolls, five rolls, six rolls, seven rolls, eight rolls or more than eight rolls may be expedient for this purpose (claim 2 ).
- the force acting on the receptacle is partially taken up by an opposite roll and the receptacle will remain more accurately at a centered (about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle) position during the application of the tool.
- the rolls are arranged in a circumferentially uniformly distributed or radially symmetric manner.
- rolls may be useful and, depending on the roil diameter relative to the receptacle diameter, also more than eight rolls may be arranged in the tool.
- roll and rolls will be used as equivalent terms, which always refer to at least one roll.
- the tool Before an opening of a receptacle can be closed, a closure is first advantageously introduced in the opening.
- the tool may have arranged thereon a positioning element (claim 3 ), whereby a closure and the tool can be introduced in the opening of a receptacle in one operating step.
- This one operating step may also consist of two or more operating substeps.
- a closure located on the positioning element may first be introduced in the opening of the receptacle by extending the element and, in a second operating substep, the tool with the rolls may follow.
- the rolls are deflectable by a defined force.
- the rolls may be deflected pneumatically, whereby the force acting on the closure rim can be controlled easily.
- the rolls may also be deflected by means of pneumatic, mechanical, electric, electromagnetic actuators or by other force-generating actuators (claim 4 ).
- the tool also in an advantageous embodiment, may be arranged as an element of a closure assembly.
- the array additionally comprises at least one shaft by means of which a torque can be applied to the tool, the torque causing the tool to rotate (claim 5 ).
- the shaft is also axially extendable, deflectable or displaceable, so as to allow the tool to be introduced into the space which is open on one side thereof, delimited by the closure, and, possibly, the inner side of the receptacle (if the closure rim should not extend up to the rim of the receptacle) (claim 6 ).
- the closure assembly may comprise a lifting device (claim 7 ).
- a receptacle to be closed can be placed on this lifting device, the receptacle opening to be closed being directed towards the tool and the centerlines of the receptacle and of the tool lying advantageously on top of each other.
- the closure may here already have been introduced in the receptacle arranged on the lifting device or the closure may be arranged on the optional positioning element of the tool.
- the lifting device may retain a receptacle located thereon, so as to prevent the receptacle from rotating during the rotation of the tool, and/or cause the receptacle to rotate, in which case the tool in the interior of the receptacle need not, but may additionally rotate in the interior of the receptacle during the closing process.
- the use of a lifting device may render the axial deflectability of the shaft unnecessary.
- a combination of the oppositely directed movements of the lifting device and of the shaft may be advantageous.
- closure assembly is configured such that it comprises a heating element (claim 8 ), an adhesive layer on at least the rim of the closure or on the inner side of the receptacle can be softened, while the tool rotates with the rolls deflected.
- Such a heating element may be arranged outside of the receptacle to be closed or in the area of the tool plate, i.e. during the closing process in the interior of the receptacle (claim 9 ).
- the heating element is here preferably an inductive element, an electric heating element or a heat radiator element (claim 10 ).
- the heating element is the element from which the inductive effect originates, although, due to the mode of operation of inductive heating, the element heated is not this element, but another one.
- Electric elements provide the heat directly in the heat-generating element and transmit it directly.
- Thermal energy for softening a layer to be softened can provided by a heat radiator (e.g. infrared, laser); preferably, a heat radiator is arranged outside the receptacle in the closure assembly.
- the closure assembly may comprise a guide ring and a lifting device.
- the lifting device may be arranged such that a receptacle with an opening to be closed can rest thereon. Through a movement of the lifting device, the receptacle can be moved over the tool (claim 11 ).
- the guide ring is able to receive the receptacle therein such that the latter occupies a defined position and is able to guide the receptacle over the closure assembly under the preload of a spring (claim 12 ).
- a receptacle closed by the tool or by the closure assembly has a closure whose closure rim is fully circumferentially connected to the receptacle inner side in a sealing fashion (claim 13 ).
- This allows a reduction of the amount of material used, while achieving the same tightness as in the case of the prior art, or an improved tightness can be provided on the basis of the same area of the closure rim.
- Receptacles closed by means of the tool according to the present invention or by means of the closure assembly according to the present invention are, due to their particularly high tightness or their low sensitivity to contamination, suitable for highly sensitive products to be filled, such as high-quality coffee and moist products to be filled.
- Such receptacles may also be used under clean room conditions (aspetic or autoclave with pressure compensation).
- the receptacles described here consist of metal, glass, plastic material or a composite material, the receptacles being, particularly preferred, three-part cans having a vertical seam that results from the production process (claim 14 ).
- three-part cans are formed from a sheet metal blank into a hollow-cylindrical shape, with two lateral edges of the reshaped sheet metal overlapping partially. The overlapping areas are typically welded together, whereby a seam is formed. A bottom element is seamed on and, optionally, the wall of the hollow cylinder is provided with stabilizing beads.
- the problem of tightly closing making use of a closure comprising a closure rim has hitherto not been solved in a satisfactory manner.
- the closure rim may be connected to the inner side of the receptacle by means of a sealing wax or a hot glue (claim 15 ), which is softened e.g. via a heating element and which solidifies after having been pressed against the inner side of the receptacle and guarantees the contact between the closure rim and the inner side of the receptacle.
- a sealing wax or a hot glue claim 15
- the height of the closure rim is larger than the axial distance of the insertion position to the opening edge of the receptacle, a certain percentage of the closure rim will project beyond the end side of the receptacle.
- This projecting percentage is crimped over the end-side rim area.
- the projecting percentage of the closure rim is less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 2% of the overall height of the closure rim and, particularly preferred, practically no area of the closure rim projects axially beyond the rim of the end side with the opening (claim 16 ).
- the closure may be connected to a receptacle wall (inner side or outer side) by means of a hot glue or a sealing wax (claim 17 ).
- a receptacle For closing an opening of a receptacle, such a receptacle is first provided, the closure is inserted or introduced into the opening of the receptacle, and the tool (e.g. a tool of the type disclosed here) is introduced into the space of the receptacle that is open on one side thereof and delimited by the closure.
- the tool e.g. a tool of the type disclosed here
- the at least one roll deflects radially outwards, whereby a force acts on the at least one contact point where the roll is in contact with the closure rim, thus pressing the closure rim against the inner side of the receptacle.
- An aspect of essential importance is that a relative rotation (circumferential relative movement) between the receptacle and the tool takes place, in order to guarantee that there will be at least one rolling movement on the closure rim around the full circumference thereof with an applied force of the at least one roll.
- a plurality of rolls e.g. two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more than eight rolls may be used in the case of the present method.
- the at least one roll After having pressed on the closure rim around the full circumference thereof, the at least one roll is returned to its starting position and the tool is axially removed from the space in the receptacle above the closure.
- the correspondence of the axial basic shapes of the receptacle and of the closure rim includes production tolerances.
- the basic shapes should be as identical as possible, the radial dimension of the closure rim being slightly (less than 5%) smaller than the radial dimension of the receptacle, so as to allow the closure to be easily introduced in the receptacle.
- the layer is thermally softened or liquefied prior to or during the rotation of the tool (claim 19 ).
- the layer may be applied in the area of the closure rim or to one side of the closure substantially in full area.
- the thermal energy is supplied to the layer by transmitting it via the at least one roll and/or the closure (claim 20 ).
- the closure is preferably introduced in the receptacle by means of a positioning element, the positioning element being arranged on the tool (claim 21 ).
- the introduction of the closure and of the tool is, particularly preferred, executed in one operating step consisting substantially of an axial (longitudinal axis of the receptacle) movement of the tool (with the positioning element) relative to the receptacle. It is either possible that the tool changes its position and is introduced in the opening of the receptacle or that the receptacle changes its position relative to the tool and receives the latter therein.
- receptacles in particular three-part cans, have a circumferential step, the step being located at the point where two lateral edges of the sheet metal overlapped prior to welding, This often results in a step located in the receptacle, which, when seen circumferentially in a clockwise direction, represents an upwardly formed step. When seen circumferentially in an anti-clockwise direction, a downwardly formed step is obtained.
- the relative rotation is executed such that the at least one roll moves in a direction opposite to an upwardly formed step (claim 22 ).
- receptacles according to the present invention can be produced in accordance with the method for closing an opening of a receptacle (claim 23 ).
- a method for closing which is also suggested (claim 25 ), can be realized by rotating the receptacle as well as by rotating the tool (or even both).
- the closure rim can be fastened (in a strip-shaped manner) to the upper end section of the inner side of the receptacle. Or the closure is lowered further down into the inner side of the receptacle with the tool.
- the opening of the receptacle can be tightly closed, or two filling chambers are formed that are configured for filling with a foodstuff or particulars, which will help to consume the foodstuff in the other filling chamber or which are indispensable for allowing such consumption.
- FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a tool 10 .
- FIG. 1 a shows a more distinct representation of the tool 10 according to FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 2 a schematically shows, in a top view, the tool 10 as a detail of an enlarged representation.
- a roll 11 is at a starting position 13 .
- FIG. 2 b schematically shows, in a top view, the tool 10 as a detail of an enlarged representation.
- a roll 11 is at a closing position 14 .
- FIG. 2 c shows, in a top view, the behavior of a layer 7 after thermal softening of the latter, with at least one roll 11 pressing the closure rim 4 against the inner side of the receptacle 5 .
- FIG. 2 aa and FIGS. 2 bb and 2 cc are more precise representations of the schemata according to FIGS. 2 a , 2 b and 2 c .
- the elements are functionally identical and are here only shown more precisely as regards their geometry.
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective representation of a tool 10 obliquely from below, with a positioning means 15 for the closure.
- FIG. 3 a shows a perspective representation of the tool 10 according to FIG. 3 obliquely from above, with the positioning means 15 for the closure.
- the elements are functionally identical and are here only shown more precisely as regards their geometry.
- FIG. 4 shows, in a perspective representation, a closure assembly 20 .
- FIG. 5 shows, in a perspective representation, a closure assembly 20 with a receptacle 1 and a lifting device 22 .
- FIG. 6 shows, in a perspective detail representation, a closure assembly 20 with a receptacle 1 .
- FIG. 6 a illustrates the chamfer 28 according to FIG. 6 , which centers the receptacle.
- FIG. 7 shows, in a sectional view, a receptacle 1 whose single opening 2 is provided with a closure 3 on the inner side 5 of the receptacle.
- FIG. 7 a shows, in a perspective view, the receptacle 1 with a closure 3 to be inserted.
- a pull tab 3 b is attached to the bottom 3 a of the closure 3 close to the rim 4 .
- FIG. 8 shows, in a sectional view, a receptacle 1 whose single opening 2 is provided with a closure 3 on the outer side 8 of the receptacle.
- FIG. 1 An example of the present invention is the tool 1 in FIG. 1 .
- the centering ring 25 shown in this figure is not an element of the tool 10 .
- the tool 10 comprises a plurality of rolls 11 which are circumferentially evenly arranged on the outer peripheral region of a tool plate 12 .
- the rolls 11 are preferably cylindrical in shape and have a height H 11 that corresponds substantially to the height H 4 of a closure rim 4 according to FIG. 7 .
- the rolls consist of a metallic material, specially preferred of a metal that can easily be heated by induction.
- the circumferential surfaces 11 a of the rolls 11 are preferably smooth, and they may also have applied thereto a coating, e.g. a rubber coating or the like, or the rolls are made of plastic material.
- Each of the rolls 11 is connected to the tool plate 12 via a cantilever arm 16 a and a joint 16 .
- each of the rolls 11 is connected to a roll axle 17 along its respective longitudinal axis, the respective roll axle 17 being connected via a respective connection element 19 to a rod 18 (a plunger).
- a lifting device 19 a makes each of the rods 18 extendable and retractable. For this kind of movement, the lifting device 19 a is able to extend the rod 18 in a radial direction as well as to retract it in a negative radial direction (in the direction of the interior of the tool plate).
- the movement of the respective rod 18 can be transmitted via the respective connection element 19 to the respective roll axle 17 , thus allowing each roll 11 to be retracted and extended independently.
- a counterforce acting on the roll 11 can be taken up by the lifting device 19 a (via the rod 18 , the connection element 19 and the roll axle 17 ).
- the respective joint 16 guides and supports the movement of the respective roll (via a connection of the cantilever arm 16 a with the roll axle 17 and the joint 16 ) during extension and retraction or during the outward deflection movement and the inward deflection movement.
- such a tool 10 may also be configured in a different way, the aspects of the retractability and extendability of each of the rolls 11 and the possibility of taking up a force at the extended position sustain the function.
- a layer 7 is provided between the closure rim 4 and the inner side 5 of the receptacle, the layer being configured as an adhesive layer or a connection layer.
- the layer 7 may be applied to one side of the closure 3 or to the surface of the inner side 5 of the receptacle.
- the layer 7 is a sealing wax or a hot glue, particularly preferred the layer 7 comprises a material containing polyethylene and/or polypropylene.
- a material containing polyethylene and/or polypropylene can be softened or even liquefied by heating; after having solidified or set, these materials connect the elements with which they entered into contact during softening or liquefying, i.e. the receptacle wall (inner side 5 of the receptacle and/or outer side 8 of the receptacle) and the closure rim 4 .
- the softening or liquefying is thermally caused, so that at the point where the roll 11 enters into contact with the closure rim 4 , a softened or liquefied layer of material will be present.
- a softened or liquefied layer of material will be present.
- Such a material wave 33 is not a distinct wave, but an area of increased thickness of the layer 7 in a flowable state (thermally softened or liquefied) in comparison with the original thickness on one side of the closure rim 4 or on the inner side 5 of the receptacle.
- FIG. 2 cc An illustrating view of this is schematically shown in Fig, 2 c, and a geometrically more precise view is shown in FIG. 2 cc.
- the layer 7 Due to a radially acting force, which is applied by the roll 11 to the closure rim 4 , the layer 7 , as a flowable material, is slightly thinner than the initially existing layer 7 , after the roll 11 has passed this area. Excessive material of the layer 7 is pushed forward by the roll 11 in the form of a material wave 33 ahead of the roll. This behavior is preferably desired, since an unevenness, in particular hollows, of the inner side 5 of the receptacle can thus be leveled out by the excessive material.
- the material wave 33 formed will fill the vertical seam 31 of a three-part can such that the closure rim 4 will be sealingly connected to the inner side 5 of the receptacle also in this sensible area.
- these points will be acted upon by the roll 11 , as has been mentioned hereinbefore.
- the roll 11 moves in the direction of the vertical seam 31 , in the case of which a step in this area represents a step formed upwards when seen in the direction of the roll 11 (the roll moves e.g. in a circumferential direction, the step of seam 31 rises in front of the roll in a negative r-direction).
- the opposite direction in which an area formed as a downward step when seen in the direction of the roll 11 , is sealed or adhesively bonded, is possible as well.
- This effect is also desired when glass receptacles are sealed, such glass receptacles having typically a longitudinal seam that results from the production process.
- FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the tool in a view obliquely from below ( FIG. 3 a obliquely from above).
- an optional positioning element 15 can be seen, which is arranged below the tool plate 12 , so that the rolls 11 in the tool 10 are arranged axially between the positioning element 15 and the lower surface of the tool plate 12 .
- the positioning element 15 is configured such that it is able to receive and hold a closure 3 (with panel 3 a and rim 4 ).
- the closure 3 and the at least one roll 11 attached to the tool plate 12 are thus introduced in the receptacle 1 together therewith. This will save time during the closing process and error sources entailed by an additional operating step can be avoided.
- the positioning element 15 has provided therein guide tracks 15 a, which are open at the edge side and which extend in an arcuate shape (on a respective circular path about the respective joint 16 at the distance of the respective arm 16 a ).
- the rolls 11 can be guided in the guide tracks, when a respective lower pin 17 a of the respective roll axil engages the respective track 15 a.
- a closure assembly 20 which comprises a tool 10 .
- the tool 10 has arranged thereon a shaft 21 such that the latter will be able to transmit a torque to the tool, which will cause the tool 10 to rotate.
- the movement is provided by a drive 27 and transmitted to the shaft 21 via a transmission element 26 .
- FIG. 5 A further embodiment of a closure assembly is shown in FIG. 5 .
- a drive 27 a is arranged on a lifting device 22 , so that a rotation of the receptacle 1 will take place, when the tool 10 has been introduced in the receptacle.
- the tool does not rotate in this case, but a circumferential relative movement (of the rolls 11 and of the receptacle 1 ) is nevertheless accomplished.
- FIG. 6 shows, independently of the embodiment of the closure assembly 20 , the operating mode of a centering ring 25 .
- the latter is configured as a ring and the lower inner edge thereof is provided with an upwardly directed chamfer 28 , so that the circumference of the ring hole is smaller at the top than at the bottom, a receptacle 1 being moved from bottom to top in the direction of the centering ring 25 .
- the chamfer 28 in the centering ring 25 has the effect that a receptacle 1 which is not positioned in a sufficiently precise manner is radially deflected through an axial movement by a movement of the centering ring 25 relative to the receptacle 1 , until sufficient centering of the centering ring 25 and the receptacle 1 has been accomplished.
- centering ring 25 is arranged within the closure assembly 20 such that it is preferably centered with the tool 10 , centering of the receptacle 1 and of the tool 10 will be guaranteed in this way.
- the receptacle 1 In order to allow a receptacle 1 to be closed, the receptacle 1 should—in cases where the tool 10 rotates—be secured against rotation. In other words, a torque, which will inevitably be transmitted to the receptacle 1 when the tool 10 rotates with the roll 11 being in its deflected condition, must be taken up, since otherwise the receptacle 1 will rotate about its longitudinal axis during the closing process, and this, in turn, will have undesirable disadvantageous effects during closing. Therefore, the receptacle 1 is fixed, through a small force, between the chamfer 28 of the centering ring 25 and an element on which the receptacle 1 rests.
- the force suffices to produce between the chamfer 28 of the centering ring 25 and the rim 32 of the receptacle and between the receptacle bottom and the element on which the receptacle is located, respectively, a frictional force that is able to counteract the torque during the dosing process, without a rotation of the receptacle 1 taking place.
- FIG. 6 a illustrates the chamfer 28 on the inner, lower edge of the centering ring 25 .
- the latter is here subdivided into two functional sections, an outer holding ring 25 a and an inner ring 25 b that emits thermal energy “thE” or magnetic fields towards the receptacle, so as to heat the fastening point or the layer 7 .
- FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a receptacle 1 .
- a closure 3 is connected via a closure rim 4 to the inner side 5 of a receptacle 1 .
- the whole area of the closure rim 4 is fixedly connected to e.g. the upper edge strip of the inner side of the receptacle.
- the area of the closure rim 4 results from the height H 4 and from the circumference of the closure rim.
- the bottom of the closure 3 is the panel 3 a.
- a connection of a closure 3 may just as well be attached to the outer side 8 of the receptacle.
- An embodiment of this type is shown in FIG. 8 .
- the closure 3 is arranged in the interior 6 of the receptacle and a first area of the closure rim 4 contacts the inner side 5 of the receptacle.
- a second area of the closure rim 4 is arranged such that it lies on top of a rim 32 of the receptacle 1 , and is fixedly connected to the outer side 8 of the receptacle.
- the height H 4 of the closure rim 4 must be sufficiently large for encompassing an inner side 5 and an outer side 8 of the receptacle 1 (including the rim 32 ).
- the sealing of a thus configured, closed receptacle 1 is especially provided on the outer side 8 of the receptacle.
- a receptacle 1 is sealed by introducing a holding element 24 into the space of a receptacle 1 such that, while applying pressure to, and possibly heating, the closure rim 4 from outside the can, the closure 3 located inside will be stabilized.
- the holding element 24 has a basic shape that corresponds to the basic shape of a receptacle 1 to be closed.
- the radial dimension of the basic shape of the holding element 24 is here slightly (less than 5%) smaller than the radial dimension of the basic shape of the receptacle 1 , so as to allow the holding element 24 to be easily introduced in the space above the closure 3 .
- the holding element 24 may here also fulfil the function of a positioning element 15 , so that a closure 3 is introduced in a receptacle 1 by means of the positioning element 15 and the positioning element 15 remains, while the closure rim 4 is being pressed against the outer side 8 of the receptacle, at the position which it assumed for positioning the closure 3 .
- the suggested tools 10 or the closure assembly 20 with the tool 10 are adapted to be used, where appropriate, for closing various receptacles 1 according to the method described, in addition to differences between the respective materials, the receptacles 1 may also substantially differ from one another with respect to their shape; it is, for example, also possible to close not only cylindrical receptacles 1 but also oval or polygonal receptacles 1 .
- integrally formed and multipart receptacles 1 such as three-part cans).
- a receptacle 1 to be closed has preferably already been filled with a product to be filled.
- the heating element 23 is employed in the form of a heat radiator, e.g. as a laser or infrared radiator, acting from outside (outside of a receptacle 1 ), a course of action that is expedient especially in the case of metal receptacles.
- the heating element 23 should preferably be arranged inside the tool 10 (between the area of the tool center and the roll 11 ).
- the roll 11 When an inductive element is used, the roll 11 may be heated, which will then transfer the heat to the layer 7 to be softened.
- the closure 3 which preferably comprises a certain percentage of aluminum, may be heated by an inductive element used as a heating element 23 .
- An electric element used as a heating element 23 may provide heat outside of the receptacle 1 in the case of receptacles 1 consisting of metal, this also applies to receptacles 1 made of glass.
- the receptacle 1 in question consists of thermally sensitive materials, it is, as a matter of principle, preferred to provide heat from the inner area. If receptacles 1 are sealed on the outer side 8 of the receptacle, the preferred position of a heating element 23 reverses, so that positions preferred inside will be preferred outside and vice versa.
- a change in the direction of rotation of the roll 11 may be advantageous, so that, while the closure rim 4 is pressed against the inner side 5 or the outer side 8 of a receptacle 1 , a clockwise movement of the roll 11 will take place, and when a closure rim 4 is pressed against a receptacle wall of a subsequent receptacle 1 an anticlockwise movement of the roll 11 will take place, or vice versa.
- a direction of roll movement may be changed while a closure rim 4 is being pressed against a receptacle wall (inner side 5 and/or outer side 8 ) of a receptacle 1 , so that a rotation of a tool 10 with the roll 11 will take place first in a clockwise direction and, on the same closure 3 , subsequently in an anticlockwise direction, or vice versa.
- the closure rim 4 is thermally connected to a receptacle wall 5 , 6 according to preferred embodiments of the invention. This may, for example, be done by soldering or welding.
- a closure assembly 20 may comprise a counterholder.
- the counterholder is attached to a side of a receptacle wall on which the roll 11 is not present. If a receptacle 1 is closed by connecting a closure rim 4 to an inner side 5 of the receptacle, the counterholder abuts on the associated outer side 8 of the receptacle. If a closure rim 4 is connected to an outer side 8 of the receptacle, the counterholder abuts on the associated inner side 5 of the receptacle.
- the counterholder is able to counteract a force, which acts via a roll 11 on a wall of a receptacle 1 , whereby a possible deformation of the basic shape of the receptacle 1 can be prevented.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Closing Of Containers (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Pressure Vessels And Lids Thereof (AREA)
- Sealing Of Jars (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to the technical field of packaging technology, in particular the field of receptacle closing, also for products to be filled that entail high demands on tightness and are sensitive to contamination.
- From the prior art, a can consisting of a metal sheet, which is closed with a membrane on one end side thereof, is known from WO 1996/31 406. Raised edge regions of the membrane are here adhesively bonded or hot-sealed to the inner side of the can wall. Such closed cans are produced by inserting a membrane into an opening of the can and by inserting a stamp. By spreading the inserted stamp, a force acts radially on the raised edge region of the membrane, the membrane being thus connected to the inner side of the can through an additional exposure to heat. In
FIGS. 5a and 5b of the published application, this spreading operation is shown. The stamp consists of circumferentially arranged elements, which are pressed radially outwards against an expansion or snap ring, whereby the diameter of the latter increases. To this end, the expansion or snap ring has an axial gap, so as to allow this increase in radius. When the expansion or snap ring presses against the edge region of the membrane, the membrane area to be connected is not acted upon by a force at the location of the gap. This may lead to leakage of the closure, in particular when the gap of the expansion or snap ring spaces the position of the vertical seam, which is typically formed on cans of this type as a result of the production process. Cans that are closed according to this method are especially not suitable for highly sensitive products to be filled, such as (high-quality) coffee. - WO 1998/03 278 shows a press device consisting of a plurality of pressing parts (cf. there
FIG. 3 ). The press device is intended to be used for the closing of cans similar to those disclosed in WO 1996/31 406. When the pressing parts are radially extended until they enter into contact with the membrane that rests on the inner side of the can, axial gaps are formed. At these gaps, no force is transmitted to the membrane. Through a plurality of planes of the pressing part gaps, a formation of channels, which inevitably occurs in WO 1996/31 406, is intended to be avoided. In particular in the area of a vertical seam of a can to be closed, an axial channel, which has a negative effect on the tightness of the can, may form between the membrane and the inner side of the can, although the gaps of the press device are staggered. In addition, only a subarea of the circumferential area of the raised edge region of the membrane is fixedly connected to the inner side of the can (only at the locations at which a force is actually radially transmitted from the press device to the membrane). Hence, the use of the press device necessitates, for the same tightness, a larger area in comparison with a device that connects the entire area of the raised part of the membrane to the can, and this leads to the necessity of using an increased amount of material and to an increase in the costs of the membrane. - Starting from the prior art, it is the object of the present invention to close receptacles as tightly as possible while keeping low the amount of material required for a closure.
- This object is achieved by the tool according to the present invention (claim 1) that can be used in a closure assembly (claim 5) and that allows a receptacle (claim 13) to be produced according to a method (
claim - A tool according to the present invention is suitable for closing an opening of a receptacle, e.g. a can, with a membrane. To this end, the tool comprises a tool plate having attached thereto at least one roll. When, preferably, a closure has been introduced in the opening to be closed, the tool can enter a space that is open on one side (delimited by the closure) in the interior of the receptacle. At the desired axial position within the can, the at least one roll can be deflected radially outwards, so as to apply a force to the rim of the closure and connect the rim, possibly under the influence of heat, sealingly with the inner side of the receptacle. Due to the tool's ability to rotate, the whole circumference of the rim can be connected to the inner side of the receptacle when the roll has been deflected outwards (claim 1). Due to a radial returnability of the tool, the latter can easily be removed from the receptacle, without damaging the sealingly attached closure, and a next receptacle to be closed can be provided within a short time.
- A plurality of rolls attached to the circumference of the tool plate accelerate the closing of a receptacle and improve the closure result. During the rotation of a tool with deflected or extended rolls, which apply a force to a closure rim, it will then suffice when each roll covers a shorter distance and when the rotation of the tool is not a full rotation (360°) for applying a force to the entire area of the closure rim. For accomplishing sufficient tightness, it may be of advantage when each section of the closure rim is contacted more than once by one or a plurality of rolls. This results in a rotation of more than 360° or, in the case of a plurality of rolls, proportionately according to the number of rolls. Two rolls, three rolls, four rolls, five rolls, six rolls, seven rolls, eight rolls or more than eight rolls may be expedient for this purpose (claim 2). When a plurality of rolls is used, the force acting on the receptacle is partially taken up by an opposite roll and the receptacle will remain more accurately at a centered (about the longitudinal axis of the receptacle) position during the application of the tool. In this respect, it will be advantageous when, as far as possible, the rolls are simultaneously deflected and when they simultaneously contact the closure rim. In the case of a plurality of rolls, it will also be of advantage when the rolls are arranged in a circumferentially uniformly distributed or radially symmetric manner. Also an uneven number of rolls may be useful and, depending on the roil diameter relative to the receptacle diameter, also more than eight rolls may be arranged in the tool. In the following, the terms roll and rolls will be used as equivalent terms, which always refer to at least one roll.
- Before an opening of a receptacle can be closed, a closure is first advantageously introduced in the opening. To this end, the tool may have arranged thereon a positioning element (claim 3), whereby a closure and the tool can be introduced in the opening of a receptacle in one operating step. This one operating step may also consist of two or more operating substeps. For example, a closure located on the positioning element may first be introduced in the opening of the receptacle by extending the element and, in a second operating substep, the tool with the rolls may follow.
- The rolls are deflectable by a defined force. The rolls may be deflected pneumatically, whereby the force acting on the closure rim can be controlled easily. The rolls may also be deflected by means of pneumatic, mechanical, electric, electromagnetic actuators or by other force-generating actuators (claim 4).
- The tool, also in an advantageous embodiment, may be arranged as an element of a closure assembly. The array additionally comprises at least one shaft by means of which a torque can be applied to the tool, the torque causing the tool to rotate (claim 5). Preferably, the shaft is also axially extendable, deflectable or displaceable, so as to allow the tool to be introduced into the space which is open on one side thereof, delimited by the closure, and, possibly, the inner side of the receptacle (if the closure rim should not extend up to the rim of the receptacle) (claim 6).
- Furthermore, the closure assembly may comprise a lifting device (claim 7). A receptacle to be closed can be placed on this lifting device, the receptacle opening to be closed being directed towards the tool and the centerlines of the receptacle and of the tool lying advantageously on top of each other. Through an upward movement of the lifting device, the receptacle to be closed is pushed over the tool. The closure may here already have been introduced in the receptacle arranged on the lifting device or the closure may be arranged on the optional positioning element of the tool. Furthermore, the lifting device may retain a receptacle located thereon, so as to prevent the receptacle from rotating during the rotation of the tool, and/or cause the receptacle to rotate, in which case the tool in the interior of the receptacle need not, but may additionally rotate in the interior of the receptacle during the closing process. The use of a lifting device may render the axial deflectability of the shaft unnecessary. Likewise, a combination of the oppositely directed movements of the lifting device and of the shaft may be advantageous.
- If the closure assembly is configured such that it comprises a heating element (claim 8), an adhesive layer on at least the rim of the closure or on the inner side of the receptacle can be softened, while the tool rotates with the rolls deflected.
- Such a heating element may be arranged outside of the receptacle to be closed or in the area of the tool plate, i.e. during the closing process in the interior of the receptacle (claim 9).
- The heating element is here preferably an inductive element, an electric heating element or a heat radiator element (claim 10). In the case of an inductive element, the heating element is the element from which the inductive effect originates, although, due to the mode of operation of inductive heating, the element heated is not this element, but another one. Electric elements provide the heat directly in the heat-generating element and transmit it directly. Thermal energy for softening a layer to be softened can provided by a heat radiator (e.g. infrared, laser); preferably, a heat radiator is arranged outside the receptacle in the closure assembly.
- Preferably, the closure assembly may comprise a guide ring and a lifting device. The lifting device may be arranged such that a receptacle with an opening to be closed can rest thereon. Through a movement of the lifting device, the receptacle can be moved over the tool (claim 11).
- Preferably, the guide ring is able to receive the receptacle therein such that the latter occupies a defined position and is able to guide the receptacle over the closure assembly under the preload of a spring (claim 12).
- A receptacle closed by the tool or by the closure assembly has a closure whose closure rim is fully circumferentially connected to the receptacle inner side in a sealing fashion (claim 13). This allows a reduction of the amount of material used, while achieving the same tightness as in the case of the prior art, or an improved tightness can be provided on the basis of the same area of the closure rim. Receptacles closed by means of the tool according to the present invention or by means of the closure assembly according to the present invention are, due to their particularly high tightness or their low sensitivity to contamination, suitable for highly sensitive products to be filled, such as high-quality coffee and moist products to be filled. Such receptacles may also be used under clean room conditions (aspetic or autoclave with pressure compensation).
- Preferably, the receptacles described here consist of metal, glass, plastic material or a composite material, the receptacles being, particularly preferred, three-part cans having a vertical seam that results from the production process (claim 14). Typically, three-part cans are formed from a sheet metal blank into a hollow-cylindrical shape, with two lateral edges of the reshaped sheet metal overlapping partially. The overlapping areas are typically welded together, whereby a seam is formed. A bottom element is seamed on and, optionally, the wall of the hollow cylinder is provided with stabilizing beads. Especially in the area of the vertical seam of a three-part can, the problem of tightly closing making use of a closure comprising a closure rim has hitherto not been solved in a satisfactory manner.
- The closure rim may be connected to the inner side of the receptacle by means of a sealing wax or a hot glue (claim 15), which is softened e.g. via a heating element and which solidifies after having been pressed against the inner side of the receptacle and guarantees the contact between the closure rim and the inner side of the receptacle.
- If the height of the closure rim is larger than the axial distance of the insertion position to the opening edge of the receptacle, a certain percentage of the closure rim will project beyond the end side of the receptacle. This projecting percentage is crimped over the end-side rim area. Preferably, the projecting percentage of the closure rim is less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 2% of the overall height of the closure rim and, particularly preferred, practically no area of the closure rim projects axially beyond the rim of the end side with the opening (claim 16).
- Preferably, the closure may be connected to a receptacle wall (inner side or outer side) by means of a hot glue or a sealing wax (claim 17).
- For closing an opening of a receptacle, such a receptacle is first provided, the closure is inserted or introduced into the opening of the receptacle, and the tool (e.g. a tool of the type disclosed here) is introduced into the space of the receptacle that is open on one side thereof and delimited by the closure. The at least one roll deflects radially outwards, whereby a force acts on the at least one contact point where the roll is in contact with the closure rim, thus pressing the closure rim against the inner side of the receptacle. Through a subsequent rotation of the tool and, consequently, a circumferential rolling movement of the at least one roll, a force will act on each point of the closure rim in the course of a complete rotation (360°), so that the entire closure rim will be connected to the inner side of the receptacle (claim 18). Instead of rotating the tool, the receptacle may be rotated, in which case the tool will not rotate. Likewise, it is possible that both the receptacle and the tool rotate in opposite directions.
- An aspect of essential importance is that a relative rotation (circumferential relative movement) between the receptacle and the tool takes place, in order to guarantee that there will be at least one rolling movement on the closure rim around the full circumference thereof with an applied force of the at least one roll. Preferably, a plurality of rolls, e.g. two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more than eight rolls may be used in the case of the present method.
- After having pressed on the closure rim around the full circumference thereof, the at least one roll is returned to its starting position and the tool is axially removed from the space in the receptacle above the closure. The correspondence of the axial basic shapes of the receptacle and of the closure rim includes production tolerances. The basic shapes should be as identical as possible, the radial dimension of the closure rim being slightly (less than 5%) smaller than the radial dimension of the receptacle, so as to allow the closure to be easily introduced in the receptacle.
- If the closure is heat bonded or connected by means of a sealing wax to the inner side of the receptacle, the layer is thermally softened or liquefied prior to or during the rotation of the tool (claim 19). The layer may be applied in the area of the closure rim or to one side of the closure substantially in full area.
- Preferably, the thermal energy is supplied to the layer by transmitting it via the at least one roll and/or the closure (claim 20).
- The closure is preferably introduced in the receptacle by means of a positioning element, the positioning element being arranged on the tool (claim 21). The introduction of the closure and of the tool is, particularly preferred, executed in one operating step consisting substantially of an axial (longitudinal axis of the receptacle) movement of the tool (with the positioning element) relative to the receptacle. It is either possible that the tool changes its position and is introduced in the opening of the receptacle or that the receptacle changes its position relative to the tool and receives the latter therein.
- As a result of the production process, receptacles, in particular three-part cans, have a circumferential step, the step being located at the point where two lateral edges of the sheet metal overlapped prior to welding, This often results in a step located in the receptacle, which, when seen circumferentially in a clockwise direction, represents an upwardly formed step. When seen circumferentially in an anti-clockwise direction, a downwardly formed step is obtained. Preferably, the relative rotation is executed such that the at least one roll moves in a direction opposite to an upwardly formed step (claim 22).
- By means of the tool, which is adapted to be used in the closure assembly, receptacles according to the present invention can be produced in accordance with the method for closing an opening of a receptacle (claim 23).
- A method for closing, which is also suggested (claim 25), can be realized by rotating the receptacle as well as by rotating the tool (or even both). To this end, the features following hereinafter are provided, among other features:
- (c) axially introducing a closure tool into a space that is open on one side thereof and delimited by the closure panel (of the closure) on the opposite side thereof;
- (d) deflecting at least one rotatable roll outwards, so that the at least one roll radially contacts the closure rim of the closure;
- (e) applying a rotating relative movement of the tool (with the at least one roll contacting the closure rim) and the receptacle, whereby the closure rim is fastened to the receptacle inner side and the opening of the receptacle is tightly closed.
- In feature (e), the closure rim can be fastened (in a strip-shaped manner) to the upper end section of the inner side of the receptacle. Or the closure is lowered further down into the inner side of the receptacle with the tool. At any rate, the opening of the receptacle can be tightly closed, or two filling chambers are formed that are configured for filling with a foodstuff or particulars, which will help to consume the foodstuff in the other filling chamber or which are indispensable for allowing such consumption.
- The examples following hereinafter explain and supplement the claimed invention.
- The embodiments of the invention are shown on the basis of examples and not in a manner in which limitations from the figures are transferred to or read into the claims. Like reference numerals in the figures designate like elements.
-
FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of atool 10. -
FIG. 1a shows a more distinct representation of thetool 10 according toFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 2a schematically shows, in a top view, thetool 10 as a detail of an enlarged representation. Aroll 11 is at a startingposition 13. -
FIG. 2b schematically shows, in a top view, thetool 10 as a detail of an enlarged representation. Aroll 11 is at aclosing position 14. -
FIG. 2c shows, in a top view, the behavior of alayer 7 after thermal softening of the latter, with at least oneroll 11 pressing theclosure rim 4 against the inner side of thereceptacle 5. -
FIG. 2 aa andFIGS. 2 bb and 2 cc are more precise representations of the schemata according toFIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c . The elements are functionally identical and are here only shown more precisely as regards their geometry. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective representation of atool 10 obliquely from below, with a positioning means 15 for the closure. -
FIG. 3a shows a perspective representation of thetool 10 according toFIG. 3 obliquely from above, with the positioning means 15 for the closure. The elements are functionally identical and are here only shown more precisely as regards their geometry. -
FIG. 4 shows, in a perspective representation, aclosure assembly 20. -
FIG. 5 shows, in a perspective representation, aclosure assembly 20 with areceptacle 1 and alifting device 22. -
FIG. 6 shows, in a perspective detail representation, aclosure assembly 20 with areceptacle 1. -
FIG. 6a illustrates thechamfer 28 according toFIG. 6 , which centers the receptacle. -
FIG. 7 shows, in a sectional view, areceptacle 1 whosesingle opening 2 is provided with aclosure 3 on theinner side 5 of the receptacle. -
FIG. 7a shows, in a perspective view, thereceptacle 1 with aclosure 3 to be inserted. A pull tab 3 b is attached to the bottom 3 a of theclosure 3 close to therim 4. -
FIG. 8 shows, in a sectional view, areceptacle 1 whosesingle opening 2 is provided with aclosure 3 on the outer side 8 of the receptacle. - An example of the present invention is the
tool 1 inFIG. 1 . The centeringring 25 shown in this figure is not an element of thetool 10. - In the present embodiment, the
tool 10 comprises a plurality ofrolls 11 which are circumferentially evenly arranged on the outer peripheral region of atool plate 12. Therolls 11 are preferably cylindrical in shape and have a height H11 that corresponds substantially to the height H4 of aclosure rim 4 according toFIG. 7 . Preferably, the rolls consist of a metallic material, specially preferred of a metal that can easily be heated by induction. The circumferential surfaces 11 a of therolls 11 are preferably smooth, and they may also have applied thereto a coating, e.g. a rubber coating or the like, or the rolls are made of plastic material. - Each of the
rolls 11 is connected to thetool plate 12 via acantilever arm 16 a and a joint 16. In addition, each of therolls 11 is connected to aroll axle 17 along its respective longitudinal axis, therespective roll axle 17 being connected via arespective connection element 19 to a rod 18 (a plunger). A liftingdevice 19 a makes each of therods 18 extendable and retractable. For this kind of movement, the liftingdevice 19 a is able to extend therod 18 in a radial direction as well as to retract it in a negative radial direction (in the direction of the interior of the tool plate). - The movement of the
respective rod 18 can be transmitted via therespective connection element 19 to therespective roll axle 17, thus allowing each roll 11 to be retracted and extended independently. - If the
roll 11 is extended or deflected, a counterforce acting on theroll 11 can be taken up by the liftingdevice 19 a (via therod 18, theconnection element 19 and the roll axle 17). - The respective joint 16 guides and supports the movement of the respective roll (via a connection of the
cantilever arm 16 a with theroll axle 17 and the joint 16) during extension and retraction or during the outward deflection movement and the inward deflection movement. - To the person skilled in the art it will be evident that such a
tool 10 may also be configured in a different way, the aspects of the retractability and extendability of each of therolls 11 and the possibility of taking up a force at the extended position sustain the function. -
- In
FIGS. 2a and 2b (alsoFIGS. 2 aa and 2 bb), the working capability of the tool 1.0 is shown in a top view. At a starting position 13 (FIGS. 2a and 2 aa) of theroll 11, the outermost area of theroll 11 is located radially within the outermost area of thetool plate 12. A tool can thus be introduced smoothly into areceptacle 1, the introduction of thetool 10 being realizable by a movement of thetool 10 in the direction of thereceptacle 1, by a movement of thereceptacle 1. in the direction of thetool 10, or by a movement of thetool 10 and of thereceptacle 1 in opposite directions. - At a closing position 14 (
FIG. 2b , 2 bb), theroll 11 has been extended or deflected to a certain extent. This has the effect that the outermost area of theroll 11 is, at least partially, located radially outside thetool plate 12. When thetool 10 is positioned in areceptacle 1 having aclosure 3 inserted therein, a force can, at this roll position, act between the roll 11 (itscircumferential surface 11 a) and theclosure 3, whereby theclosure 3 can be pressed with itsclosure rim 4 against theinner side 5 of the receptacle in the area of theclosure rim 4 and the axial contact strip of therolls 11. By rotating thetool 10, and consequently theroll 11, provided that the rolling resistance has been overcome, the contact point between theroll 11 and theclosure rim 4 is displaced along the circumference, so that in the case of a full rotation of thetool 10 each point of theclosure rim 4 is pressed against theinner side 5 of the receptacle. Each point of theclosure rim 4 means here each point that is accessible to theroll 11.
- In
- If a plurality of
rolls 11 is provided, the above paragraphs should be read in the plural. - Preferably, a
layer 7 is provided between theclosure rim 4 and theinner side 5 of the receptacle, the layer being configured as an adhesive layer or a connection layer. - The
layer 7 may be applied to one side of theclosure 3 or to the surface of theinner side 5 of the receptacle. - Preferably, the
layer 7 is a sealing wax or a hot glue, particularly preferred thelayer 7 comprises a material containing polyethylene and/or polypropylene. Such materials can be softened or even liquefied by heating; after having solidified or set, these materials connect the elements with which they entered into contact during softening or liquefying, i.e. the receptacle wall (inner side 5 of the receptacle and/or outer side 8 of the receptacle) and theclosure rim 4. - Before or during the rotation of the
tool 10 relative to thereceptacle 1, the softening or liquefying is thermally caused, so that at the point where theroll 11 enters into contact with theclosure rim 4, a softened or liquefied layer of material will be present. By circulating theroll 11 along thecircumferential closure rim 4 with a respective flowable material, an accumulation of material or amaterial wave 33 will form between theclosure rim 4 and theinner side 5 of the receptacle, the material wave being, due to the movement of theroll 11, pushed forward ahead of the roll in the direction of movement of the latter. Such amaterial wave 33 is not a distinct wave, but an area of increased thickness of thelayer 7 in a flowable state (thermally softened or liquefied) in comparison with the original thickness on one side of theclosure rim 4 or on theinner side 5 of the receptacle. - An illustrating view of this is schematically shown in Fig, 2 c, and a geometrically more precise view is shown in
FIG. 2 cc. Due to a radially acting force, which is applied by theroll 11 to theclosure rim 4, thelayer 7, as a flowable material, is slightly thinner than the initially existinglayer 7, after theroll 11 has passed this area. Excessive material of thelayer 7 is pushed forward by theroll 11 in the form of amaterial wave 33 ahead of the roll. This behavior is preferably desired, since an unevenness, in particular hollows, of theinner side 5 of the receptacle can thus be leveled out by the excessive material. - According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the
material wave 33 formed will fill thevertical seam 31 of a three-part can such that theclosure rim 4 will be sealingly connected to theinner side 5 of the receptacle also in this sensible area. Thus, also these points will be acted upon by theroll 11, as has been mentioned hereinbefore. - Preferably, the
roll 11 moves in the direction of thevertical seam 31, in the case of which a step in this area represents a step formed upwards when seen in the direction of the roll 11 (the roll moves e.g. in a circumferential direction, the step ofseam 31 rises in front of the roll in a negative r-direction). The opposite direction, in which an area formed as a downward step when seen in the direction of theroll 11, is sealed or adhesively bonded, is possible as well. - This effect is also desired when glass receptacles are sealed, such glass receptacles having typically a longitudinal seam that results from the production process.
-
FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the tool in a view obliquely from below (FIG. 3a obliquely from above). From this perspective, anoptional positioning element 15 can be seen, which is arranged below thetool plate 12, so that therolls 11 in thetool 10 are arranged axially between thepositioning element 15 and the lower surface of thetool plate 12. Thepositioning element 15 is configured such that it is able to receive and hold a closure 3 (withpanel 3 a and rim 4). When thetool 10 moves into areceptacle 1, theclosure 3 and the at least oneroll 11 attached to thetool plate 12 are thus introduced in thereceptacle 1 together therewith. This will save time during the closing process and error sources entailed by an additional operating step can be avoided. - The
positioning element 15 has provided therein guidetracks 15 a, which are open at the edge side and which extend in an arcuate shape (on a respective circular path about the respective joint 16 at the distance of therespective arm 16 a). Therolls 11 can be guided in the guide tracks, when a respectivelower pin 17 a of the respective roll axil engages therespective track 15 a. - In
FIG. 4 , aclosure assembly 20 is shown, which comprises atool 10. Thetool 10 has arranged thereon ashaft 21 such that the latter will be able to transmit a torque to the tool, which will cause thetool 10 to rotate. The movement is provided by adrive 27 and transmitted to theshaft 21 via atransmission element 26. - A further embodiment of a closure assembly is shown in
FIG. 5 . Here, adrive 27 a is arranged on alifting device 22, so that a rotation of thereceptacle 1 will take place, when thetool 10 has been introduced in the receptacle. The tool does not rotate in this case, but a circumferential relative movement (of therolls 11 and of the receptacle 1) is nevertheless accomplished. -
FIG. 6 shows, independently of the embodiment of theclosure assembly 20, the operating mode of a centeringring 25. The latter is configured as a ring and the lower inner edge thereof is provided with an upwardly directedchamfer 28, so that the circumference of the ring hole is smaller at the top than at the bottom, areceptacle 1 being moved from bottom to top in the direction of the centeringring 25. Thechamfer 28 in the centeringring 25 has the effect that areceptacle 1 which is not positioned in a sufficiently precise manner is radially deflected through an axial movement by a movement of the centeringring 25 relative to thereceptacle 1, until sufficient centering of the centeringring 25 and thereceptacle 1 has been accomplished. - Since the centering
ring 25 is arranged within theclosure assembly 20 such that it is preferably centered with thetool 10, centering of thereceptacle 1 and of thetool 10 will be guaranteed in this way. - In order to allow a
receptacle 1 to be closed, thereceptacle 1 should—in cases where thetool 10 rotates—be secured against rotation. In other words, a torque, which will inevitably be transmitted to thereceptacle 1 when thetool 10 rotates with theroll 11 being in its deflected condition, must be taken up, since otherwise thereceptacle 1 will rotate about its longitudinal axis during the closing process, and this, in turn, will have undesirable disadvantageous effects during closing. Therefore, thereceptacle 1 is fixed, through a small force, between thechamfer 28 of the centeringring 25 and an element on which thereceptacle 1 rests. At any rate, the force suffices to produce between thechamfer 28 of the centeringring 25 and therim 32 of the receptacle and between the receptacle bottom and the element on which the receptacle is located, respectively, a frictional force that is able to counteract the torque during the dosing process, without a rotation of thereceptacle 1 taking place. -
FIG. 6a illustrates thechamfer 28 on the inner, lower edge of the centeringring 25. The latter is here subdivided into two functional sections, anouter holding ring 25 a and aninner ring 25 b that emits thermal energy “thE” or magnetic fields towards the receptacle, so as to heat the fastening point or thelayer 7. -
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of areceptacle 1. Aclosure 3 is connected via aclosure rim 4 to theinner side 5 of areceptacle 1. Inside thereceptacle 1, the whole area of theclosure rim 4 is fixedly connected to e.g. the upper edge strip of the inner side of the receptacle. The area of theclosure rim 4 results from the height H4 and from the circumference of the closure rim. The bottom of theclosure 3 is thepanel 3 a. - Within the scope of the present invention, a connection of a
closure 3 may just as well be attached to the outer side 8 of the receptacle. An embodiment of this type is shown inFIG. 8 . In this case, theclosure 3 is arranged in the interior 6 of the receptacle and a first area of the closure rim 4 contacts theinner side 5 of the receptacle. In addition, a second area of theclosure rim 4 is arranged such that it lies on top of arim 32 of thereceptacle 1, and is fixedly connected to the outer side 8 of the receptacle. The height H4 of theclosure rim 4 must be sufficiently large for encompassing aninner side 5 and an outer side 8 of the receptacle 1 (including the rim 32). The sealing of a thus configured,closed receptacle 1 is especially provided on the outer side 8 of the receptacle. - In order to produce such a result, it will suffice to reconfigure a
tool 10 only insignificantly in such a way that aroll 11 will be able to apply a force radially from the outer to the inner side. Preferably, areceptacle 1 according to this embodiment is sealed by introducing a holdingelement 24 into the space of areceptacle 1 such that, while applying pressure to, and possibly heating, the closure rim 4 from outside the can, theclosure 3 located inside will be stabilized. - To this end, the holding
element 24 has a basic shape that corresponds to the basic shape of areceptacle 1 to be closed. The radial dimension of the basic shape of the holdingelement 24 is here slightly (less than 5%) smaller than the radial dimension of the basic shape of thereceptacle 1, so as to allow the holdingelement 24 to be easily introduced in the space above theclosure 3. The holdingelement 24 may here also fulfil the function of apositioning element 15, so that aclosure 3 is introduced in areceptacle 1 by means of thepositioning element 15 and thepositioning element 15 remains, while theclosure rim 4 is being pressed against the outer side 8 of the receptacle, at the position which it assumed for positioning theclosure 3. - Quite generally, the suggested
tools 10 or theclosure assembly 20 with thetool 10 are adapted to be used, where appropriate, for closingvarious receptacles 1 according to the method described, in addition to differences between the respective materials, thereceptacles 1 may also substantially differ from one another with respect to their shape; it is, for example, also possible to close not onlycylindrical receptacles 1 but also oval orpolygonal receptacles 1. The same applies to integrally formed and multipart receptacles 1 (such as three-part cans). During the closing process, areceptacle 1 to be closed has preferably already been filled with a product to be filled. - Depending on the material of the
receptacle 1, different arrangements of a heating element 23 are preferably used. For example, according to a preferred embodiment, the heating element 23 is employed in the form of a heat radiator, e.g. as a laser or infrared radiator, acting from outside (outside of a receptacle 1), a course of action that is expedient especially in the case of metal receptacles. In the case ofplastic receptacles 1 orreceptacles 1 consisting of a composite material, the heating element 23 should preferably be arranged inside the tool 10 (between the area of the tool center and the roll 11). - When an inductive element is used, the
roll 11 may be heated, which will then transfer the heat to thelayer 7 to be softened. Also theclosure 3, which preferably comprises a certain percentage of aluminum, may be heated by an inductive element used as a heating element 23. An electric element used as a heating element 23 may provide heat outside of thereceptacle 1 in the case ofreceptacles 1 consisting of metal, this also applies toreceptacles 1 made of glass. When thereceptacle 1 in question consists of thermally sensitive materials, it is, as a matter of principle, preferred to provide heat from the inner area. Ifreceptacles 1 are sealed on the outer side 8 of the receptacle, the preferred position of a heating element 23 reverses, so that positions preferred inside will be preferred outside and vice versa. - According to a further embodiment, a change in the direction of rotation of the
roll 11 may be advantageous, so that, while theclosure rim 4 is pressed against theinner side 5 or the outer side 8 of areceptacle 1, a clockwise movement of theroll 11 will take place, and when aclosure rim 4 is pressed against a receptacle wall of asubsequent receptacle 1 an anticlockwise movement of theroll 11 will take place, or vice versa. Likewise, a direction of roll movement may be changed while aclosure rim 4 is being pressed against a receptacle wall (inner side 5 and/or outer side 8) of areceptacle 1, so that a rotation of atool 10 with theroll 11 will take place first in a clockwise direction and, on thesame closure 3, subsequently in an anticlockwise direction, or vice versa. - Apart from fastening a
closure 3 to areceptacle wall 5, 6 by means of a hot glue or a sealing wax, theclosure rim 4 is thermally connected to areceptacle wall 5, 6 according to preferred embodiments of the invention. This may, for example, be done by soldering or welding. - According to a further embodiment, a
closure assembly 20 may comprise a counterholder. The counterholder is attached to a side of a receptacle wall on which theroll 11 is not present. If areceptacle 1 is closed by connecting aclosure rim 4 to aninner side 5 of the receptacle, the counterholder abuts on the associated outer side 8 of the receptacle. If aclosure rim 4 is connected to an outer side 8 of the receptacle, the counterholder abuts on the associatedinner side 5 of the receptacle. The counterholder is able to counteract a force, which acts via aroll 11 on a wall of areceptacle 1, whereby a possible deformation of the basic shape of thereceptacle 1 can be prevented.
Claims (28)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102015112108.5 | 2015-07-24 | ||
DE102015112108 | 2015-07-24 | ||
PCT/IB2016/054409 WO2017017588A2 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2016-07-25 | Method, tool and assembly for tightly closing a receptacle, and tightly closed receptacle |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20180297104A1 true US20180297104A1 (en) | 2018-10-18 |
US11590554B2 US11590554B2 (en) | 2023-02-28 |
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US15/745,155 Active 2037-07-23 US11590554B2 (en) | 2015-07-24 | 2016-07-25 | Method, tool and assembly for tightly closing a receptacle, and tightly closed receptacle |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US11590554B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3325349B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN108025820B (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018000948A2 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2899214T3 (en) |
HU (1) | HUE056526T2 (en) |
RU (2) | RU2724548C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017017588A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US12049339B2 (en) | 2020-05-28 | 2024-07-30 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Systems for the high-speed application of paper-based end closures on composite containers |
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US4333585A (en) * | 1978-07-10 | 1982-06-08 | Luigi Del Bon | Deep-drawn preformed closure for the hermetic sealing of a can or similar container |
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US231917A (en) * | 1880-09-07 | Tyc m a tai | ||
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GB2337740B (en) | 1998-05-26 | 2000-11-15 | Spreckelsen Mcgeough Ltd | Fluid packaging |
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BRPI0802456A2 (en) * | 2008-08-14 | 2010-05-18 | Brasilata Sa | closing arrangement for a foil container |
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- 2016-07-25 BR BR112018000948-2A patent/BR112018000948A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2016-07-25 EP EP16763313.0A patent/EP3325349B1/en active Active
- 2016-07-25 US US15/745,155 patent/US11590554B2/en active Active
- 2016-07-25 RU RU2018100144A patent/RU2724548C2/en active
- 2016-07-25 WO PCT/IB2016/054409 patent/WO2017017588A2/en active Application Filing
- 2016-07-25 RU RU2020119814A patent/RU2765254C1/en active
- 2016-07-25 HU HUE16763313A patent/HUE056526T2/en unknown
- 2016-07-25 ES ES16763313T patent/ES2899214T3/en active Active
- 2016-07-25 CN CN201680043539.2A patent/CN108025820B/en active Active
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US3868808A (en) * | 1972-11-22 | 1975-03-04 | Henry Richard Preston | Applicaton of container closures |
US4333585A (en) * | 1978-07-10 | 1982-06-08 | Luigi Del Bon | Deep-drawn preformed closure for the hermetic sealing of a can or similar container |
Cited By (1)
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US12049339B2 (en) | 2020-05-28 | 2024-07-30 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Systems for the high-speed application of paper-based end closures on composite containers |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2017017588A3 (en) | 2017-03-23 |
RU2018100144A3 (en) | 2020-01-22 |
EP3325349B1 (en) | 2021-09-15 |
ES2899214T3 (en) | 2022-03-10 |
BR112018000948A2 (en) | 2018-09-04 |
RU2724548C2 (en) | 2020-06-23 |
RU2765254C1 (en) | 2022-01-27 |
HUE056526T2 (en) | 2022-02-28 |
CN108025820A (en) | 2018-05-11 |
CN108025820B (en) | 2021-11-02 |
WO2017017588A2 (en) | 2017-02-02 |
WO2017017588A9 (en) | 2019-01-03 |
RU2018100144A (en) | 2019-08-27 |
US11590554B2 (en) | 2023-02-28 |
EP3325349A2 (en) | 2018-05-30 |
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